Nigerian University Libraries Research Articles

Open educational resources (OER) management: implications for policymakers on the best practices in an open education university libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThe study aimed to identify the best practices for open educational resources (OER) management in Nigerian open education university libraries and the implications for policymakers.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was used, which included a survey questionnaire administered via Google Forms to academic librarians and other library staff of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The study’s population was 398 and 273 participants responded to the survey. The study included all academic librarians and other library staff representing the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study’s results were presented using frequency counts, percentages tables and the qualitative data analysis was done thematically.FindingsThe findings of the study are consistent with existing literature on best practices for managing OER, which emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies and strategies for OER management practices, such as guidelines for acquiring, creating, curating and disseminating OER.Originality/valueThe originality of the study concludes by recommending that policymakers should develop policies that support the implementation of best practices in OER management to improve access to educational resources and reduce costs for students.

Undergraduate Students’ Perception of Service Quality of Readers’ Services in a Nigerian University Library

Undergraduate Students’ Perception of Service Quality of Readers’ Services in a Nigerian University Library

Status and challenges of institutional repositories in university libraries in South-East Nigeria: Implications for visibility and ranking of Nigerian universities

This study investigated the status and challenges of developing institutional repositories in Nigerian university libraries and the influence on their rankings. It adopted a survey research design carried out in South-East Nigeria. Twenty three universities comprising of 10 publicly funded universities and 13 funded by private and faith-based organizations. Instrument for data collections were structured questionnaire, interview, and analysis of relevant websites. Findings showed among others that the universities were at different levels of implementation of IR; only 26 % of the universities have fully implemented IR. Majority of the libraries lack ICT infrastructure and skilled staff for adoption of institutional repositories; and D-Space is most popular software used. The study also revealed that universities with functional repositories have better ranking nationally and globally.

Internet adoption in select Nigeria university libraries

The paper examined the Internet adoption in Nigerian university library with emphasis on the extent to which computer networks aid the use of the internet to obtain academic information within the university library. It also determined the extent at which students use the internet to obtain academic information within the university library and to determine the cost, labour and maintenance of Internet adoption in the university library. A descriptive survey design was employed and the convenience sampling method was employed to select 132 samples for analysis. The analytical tools employed are simple percentages, frequency counts, Pearson Correlation and regression analysis via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, Internet, Campus Area Network, and Networks were the existing computer networks available in selected Nigerian university libraries. The information services provided using internet include; digital library/ repositories, searching library data, searching scholarly content, file storage, building community power and library automation. The paper recommended that university libraries should be proactive. More academic research could only be achieved with effective internet adoption and integration into university libraries.

Research data management services among librarians in Nigerian universities

The contemporary advancements in network technologies and scholarly communication which provide opportunities to academic libraries to look for novel means of engaging with researcher communities has necessitated librarians to retort with service innovations in data science and research data management (RDM). The aim of this study is to investigate Research data management services among librarians in Nigerian universities. A questionnaire was used to collect data on RDM services among librarians in Nigerian universities for this study. The participants were the librarians in the public universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study found that the roles of librarians in RDM services in Nigerian universities are to encourage research facilitation and promote scientific communication. The extent of involvement of librarians in RDM in Nigeria is low. The study also found that although librarians in Nigerian universities derive many benefits from RDM services, they encounter challenges such as a lack of data management plan and limited grants from research funding agencies in contributing to RDM. It was therefore recommended that universities in Nigeria should create RDM centers in the libraries to prevent data loss and for easy accessibility of research data by researchers

Blended Librarianship as a Fulcrum for Librarians’ Relevance in a Developing Country

The paper examined the emergence and important role of blended librarianship as a fulcrum of relevance for librarians in Nigerian universities. It x-rayed the global trends in blended librarianship vis-à-vis the Nigerian situation. Furthermore, the study considered perceived challenges libraries may be confronted with in deploying relevant ICT infrastructure geared towards transitioning from traditional to hybrid services provision for the successful implementation of blended librarianship. The paper recommended the design and implementation of an appropriate framework for the development of ICTs in Nigerian universities, urgency in the acquisition of new skill sets by academic librarians in Nigeria, while also calling on relevant stakeholders to review the current curricula of Nigerian library schools to reflect current realities in the work place.

Determination of library staff skills to enhance visibility of intellectual output in Nigerian universities

PurposeUniversity intellectual output such as theses and dissertations are valuable resources containing rigorous research results. Library staff who are key players in promoting intellectual output through institutional repositories require skills to promote content visibility, create wider outreach and facilitate easy access and use of these resources. This study aims to determine the skills of library staff to enhance the visibility of intellectual output in federal university libraries in southeast Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA survey research design was adopted for the study. The questionnaire was used to obtain responses from library staff on the extent of computer skills and their abilities for digital conversion, metadata creation and preservation of digital content.FindingsLibrary staff at the university libraries had high skills in basic computer operations. They had moderate skills in digital conversion, preservation and storage. However, they had low skills in metadata creation.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for addressing the digital skills and professional expertise of library staff, especially as it concerns metadata creation, digital conversion, preservation and storage. It also has implications for the university management to prioritize the training of their library staff in other to increase the visibility of indigenous resources and university Web ranking.Originality/valueThis study serves as a lens to identify library staff skill gaps in many critical areas that require expertise and stimulate conscious effort toward developing adequate skills for effective digital information provision. It sheds light on the challenges that many Nigerian university libraries face in their pursuit of global visibility and university Web ranking.

Awareness, Attitude, and Use of High-End Technologies by University Librarians in Kwara State, Nigeria

The continued survival and use of university libraries in the present period depend on expanding and modernizing library and information services. The study examined awareness, attitude and use of high-end technologies by libraries in Nigerian Universities. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of high-end technologies available in Nigerian university libraries; determine if staff of Nigerian university libraries are aware of high-end technologies; investigate librarians’ attitude towards high-end technology and ascertain if Nigerian university libraries use high-end technologies for service delivery. The study adopts a survey design of mixed method approach, and the population comprised of 40 respondents in three selected university libraries in Kwara State. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistic of frequency counts and percentage. Findings of the study revealed that university libraries now feature all-encompassing, user-friendly technology and service-driven techniques as a result of technological advancements, the study sheds light on librarian understanding, attitude, and use of cutting-edge technologies in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Only 6 of the 12 high-tech topics mentioned - RFID, IoT, institutional repositories, cloud computing, WEB 2.0/3.0, and WebOPAC - are thought to be well-known and in use. The study recommended that university management and library committee should provide adequate funding, thereby formulating policies addressing the installation and integration of high-end technologies in university libraries; there should be a public awareness campaign about the importance of high-end technologies in academic libraries; librarians should keep up with the latest trends to provide user-oriented services through adherence to these technologies in order to remain relevant in the profession and on the job, and that there should be constant user education on the importance of high-end technologies for both library staff and patrons.

Impact of Digital Literacy on University Students’ Use of Digital Resources in Nigeria

Digital literacy is a skill that university students must possess in order to use the many digital resources that are provided by university libraries. As a result, the study examined the impact of digital literacy on Nigerian university students’ use of Internet resources. The research examined how high and low levels of digital literacy influenced students’ utilization of digital resources and also explored the roles of university libraries in promoting and assisting students in enhancing their digital literacy and supporting their utilization of digital resources. The research also delved into effective strategies for improving digital literacy within Nigerian university libraries. Overall, the study established that digital literacy is vital for students in Nigerian universities and directly impacts their utilization of digital resources. The insights gained from this research shed light on the significance of promoting digital literacy in academic settings and the collaborative efforts required from institutions and libraries to empower students in this digital age.

Entrepreneurial skills assessment of library and information science faculty and academic librarians in Nigeria: issues and prospects

Entrepreneurial skills are considered one of the most important competencies expected to be possessed by Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians as information professionals. These skills include technical skills, managerial skills, business skills, personal maturity skills, ICT skills and information literacy skills. The context observation and literature review indicated limited research on the entrepreneurial skills of Library and Information Science (LIS) faculty and academic librarians in Nigerian universities. The need to fill this inadvertently created gap initiated this study. The study aimed to assess entrepreneurial skills level as well as identify entrepreneurship issues and prospects of LIS faculty and academic librarians in South-West Nigerian universities with library schools. This paper was anchored on survey research design. The study employed the total enumeration method to cover all LIS faculty and academic librarians in these universities. An adapted structured questionnaire was administered and responses were analyzed quantitatively using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed lackluster technical, business and ICT skills of these information professionals including unacceptable managerial skills. Furthermore, entrepreneurship issues showed government-centered, institutional and personal subjects such as government policies, economic problems, legal registration, funding, excessive workload and lack of entrepreneurial attitude. The study also uncovered dwindling entrepreneurship prospects. The study recommends premeditated efforts by LIS faculty and academic librarians and universities at entrepreneurial development and the advancement of citizen-friendly entrepreneurial policies and a blueprint by the government.

INFLUENCE OF LIBRARIANS ICT SKILLS, INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS ON THE USE OF OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

This study investigated the influence of librarians’ ICT skills, institutional factors on use of OER in the Nigerian university libraries. The descriptive survey design of a correctional type was adopted; total enumeration technique to capture all 247 librarians in the selected university libraries in South-West Nigeria. 247 copies of questionnaire were distributed and 201(81.4%) were retrieved and used for the study; data were analysed using frequency count, percentages, mean, standard deviation and multiple regressions. The result revealed that both Librarians ICT skills ( =2.20) and availability of ICT training ( =2.20) were low, while level of availability of infrastructure ( =3.01) is moderate. Poor or unreliable power supply ( =1.80), were the major challenges faced by librarians. Librarians ICT skills (r = 0.376, p < .05) and institutional factors (r = 0.535, p < .05) had a positive linear relationship with the use of OER, these two variables jointly influenced librarians’ use of OER which accounted for 40% variance in the dependent variable (R2 = .40, F (1;66) = 66, p < .05). It was found that librarians’ ICT skills and institutional factors jointly determine the use of OER. Librarians ICT skills and institutional factors are essential factors to be put in place for effective and efficient use of OER in university libraries. Therefore it is recommended that university libraries under study should be well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure and adequate ICT trainings for the use of OER.

Technostress and information and communication technology usage among librarians in Nigerian universities

Purpose This paper aims to investigate technostress and information and communication technology (ICT) usage among librarians in Nigerian universities. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. The data generated were analyzed using mean, frequency count and percentage. Findings A moderate extent of psychological, emotional and physical technostress was found among the librarians. The findings further revealed that technostress among the librarians could be reduced through organizational and technical support and the involvement of librarians in the ICT implementation process. The hypotheses tested revealed that there was a significant relationship between technostress and ICT usage among the librarians; female librarians exhibit a higher extent of technostress than male librarians, and there is no difference in the extent of ICT usage between male and female librarians in Nigerian universities. Practical implications Librarians cannot effectively use ICTs if they exhibit technostress. Originality/value The work is a creative attempt to know the difference in the extent of technostress and ICT usage among male and female librarians in Nigerian universities.

Perceived Usefulness and Users’ Attitude as Correlate of Multimedia Resources Utilization in Nigerian University Libraries

The study sought to evaluate perceived usefulness and users’ attitude as a correlate of multimedia resources utilization by undergraduate students in selected university libraries in Kwara State. It is a quantitative research that adopted descriptive survey design of correlational type. The units of analysis consist of all undergraduates in the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Molete and Al-Hikma University, Adewole. The study used a questionnaire and observational checklist for data collection. Available multimedia resources in the surveyed university libraries include photographs, audio and video recordings, projectors, globes/maps/atlas, plasma television, computer, library management software, electronic information resources and internet connectivity. None of the three university libraries has an interactive smart board and only the University of Ilorin Library has filmstrips and microfilms/microfiches. Identified challenges militating against successful utilization of multimedia resources in the university libraries include epileptic power supply, out-datedness of available multimedia resources and poor internet connectivity. It was also found that there was a relationship between level of multimedia resources utilization and perceived usefulness of multimedia resources (r=.65, p<.001, N=398) with a moderate to strong positive relationship. More so, there was a relationship between level of multimedia resources utilization and students’ attitude towards multimedia resources (r=.58, p<.001, N=398) with a moderate relationship. Librarians in charge of multimedia resources have a whole lot to contend with, ranging from ensuring information infrastructure to activating multimedia resources utilization are readily available, adhering to copyright laws and fair use guidelines while also maintaining access control. Greater effort also needs to be geared toward training and retraining of librarians because of the varying format of multimedia resources that require different skills of operation.

Collaboration in Nigerian University Libraries: A Diagnosis

This paper sought to show the potential of collaboration of university libraries in ameliorating the common problems and challenges facing the Nigerian Academic Library System on the basis of the current status of collaboration in Nigerian university libraries. The paper addressed the following questions: what is the status of collaboration of Nigerian University libraries? How can University Libraries achieve meaningful collaboration? And what possible benefits can University libraries in Nigeria attain from effective collaboration? The paper clarified three forms of collaboration within the University Library system to address the indiscriminate use of the term ‘Librarian collaboration’ to pass for library collaboration. Based on literature reviewed, the current level of collaboration in Nigerian University Libraries is below expectation and is to a great extent responsible for poor quality teaching, learning and research bedeviling the Nigerian tertiary education system. University Library leadership and the Committee of University librarian in Nigerian Universities (CULNU) were identified as prime movers whose efforts could improve the level of collaboration in Nigerian University Libraries. The paper revealed that possible areas for collaboration include: resource sharing, inter-library loan, cooperative acquisition, cooperative cataloguing, cooperative referencing, staff development, library exchange and librarian and library user networks. The paper further noted that the key benefits of collaboration are significant reduction in operational costs, increased human cooperation and exposure of Librarians to global library practices. The paper identified factors that pose as either a threat or a challenge to the implementation of effective collaboration in Nigerian university libraries. They include: Inadequate funding, leadership issues, lack of structured library development policies, proliferation of informal collaboration, high competition in library profession and resistance to change. The paper therefore recommended that committee of University Librarian in Nigerian Universities and the Nigerian Library Association should make and implement a policy for all University Library Leadership to develop and implement documented and structured develop plans and policies p to provide strategic direction for University libraries.

The Experience of Using Virtua Integrated Library System in Nigerian University Libraries

The paper explores the experience of using Virtua Integrated Library System by some university libraries in Nigeria for automating their operations throughout a decade. It also accounts for the challenges encountered by the libraries and reveals their switch over to other software. Survey method was used to collect data from systems' staff and librarians of the six universities that adopted Virtua software via self-distributed online questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. The findings revealed that majority of the libraries used Virtua for years more than any of their previous software. The initial source of funding the software and staff training was provided by the Carnegie Corporation and MacArthur Foundation. The modules implemented by the libraries include cataloguing, circulation, administration and Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) and serials control and acquisition were partially used. The system was friendly used by the university libraries with few challenges which included increase in subscription fees. At different periods of few years back, the libraries dropped the software and switched over to Koha and locally developed library system respectively. It is recommended that the University Management of the libraries should provide adequate funds to enhance the implementation of library automation software.

Library Services Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Study of Remotely Exploitable Electronic Academic Databases in Selected University Libraries in Nigeria

The study adopted a research design of the qualitative type to investigate library services amid the COVID-19 Pandemic using remotely exploitable electronic academic databases in two Nigerian foremost university libraries, as case studies. An Interview guide was used to elicit data from E-Librarians of the two Federal University libraries randomly selected for the study. The interview guide contains seventeen questions that seek to proffer answers to the main objective of the study. Response retrieved were analyzed using thematic analysis to extract codes, identify patterns, and create themes relevant to the study’s objective. The study revealed that both libraries have a functional E-library and subscribes to key databases. The study also revealed that both libraries’ websites are connected to open source databases remotely accessible to library users. The study reinforces the need to embrace the change in the global architecture of library services in the wake of the COVID -19 pandemic and make their E-resources remotely accessible to users. The study recommended that library managers should adopt best practices in providing users with remote access to their E-resources. Also, the study underscores the need for library managers to reappraise their memorandum of understanding with E-databases aggregator, allowing their E-resources to be remotely accessible to library users’ thereby limiting users contact with their physical library environment amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Application of the Internet of Things for Quality Service Delivery in Nigerian University Libraries

The study examined the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) for quality service delivery in Nigerian university libraries. The study’s objectives were toidentify the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that are available in Nigerian University Libraries; identify the areas of use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in Nigerian University Libraries; examine the functions of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in Nigerian University Libraries; and identify the benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in Nigerian University Libraries. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and the population comprises 37 professional librarians in three university libraries in Kwara State. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, while data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. The study’s findings revealed the available IoT technologies, including Wireless Sensor Networks, Cloud Computing, Smoke or Heat sensor, and RFID. The study also revealed that the aforementioned are used in technical services, readers services, theft management, and alerting services for quality service delivery in university libraries. The study recommended that Nigerian University libraries should increase awareness of existing IoT technologies available, put appropriate measures in place for its application to various library routines and departments and employ it to transform into innovative libraries.

Preparedness of Nigerian University Libraries and Librarians for Service Delivery in Post Covid 19

The study adopted a descriptive survey design which sought information on the preparedness of academic libraries in Nigerian universities for post COVID-19 pandemic library service delivery. The study was conducted in Anambra State of Nigeria. The population for the study comprised of all the 10 academic librarians in the libraries in the 3 campuses of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Anambra State. There was no sampling because of their small size. The instrument for data collection was a self-developed questionnaire entitled COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Questionnaire (CPPQ). Data collected were analysed using mean. The major findings of the study included that all categories: ensuring access to soap and warm water, ensuring they have a supply of hand sanitizers, keeping surfaces clean were some of the measures libraries adopted to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic; staff were advised to work from home, online services were adopted, zoom trainings was always there to ensure the staff safety from the virus: among the problems were inadequate fund, power failure and poor internet services. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others that academic libraries should provide free Wi-Fi around the library and prepare the library’s physical surroundings for people to study in groups of two, three, and more, without necessarily entering the library, government should provide more funding for academic libraries to meet with contemporary best global practices in their library as the library reopens amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological capital as predictor of research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria

Research productivity is one of the most important yardsticks for career progression of librarians in Nigerian university libraries. Despite its importance as a major requirement, literature have established a low level of research productivity among librarians in Nigerian university libraries. Psychological capital is crucial to enhancing research productivity of academics. However, there is a dearth of literature in relation to research productivity of librarians. Hence, this study examined psychological capital as predictor of research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The population of this study comprised 361 librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria. A sample size of 190 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Stratified sampling technique was used the select respondents. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. A response rate of 79% was achieved. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that, psychological capital (R2 = 0.004, β = 0.061, t = 0.777, p > 0.05) had no significant influence on research productivity of librarians in public university libraries in North-East, Nigeria, even though the level of psychological capital was high. The study concluded that, the level of research productivity and psychological capital of librarians were higher. Psychological capital did not predict their research productivity in this study. The study recommended that, Management of public university libraries in the North-East, Nigeria should encourage librarians to engage in writing and publishing journal articles, textbooks and other publications in order to further sustain and enhance their research productivity, Knowledge and relevance of psychological capital should be inculcated into research activities of librarians at all levels of training in order to enhance research productivity of librarians in Nigeria. Finally, university managements should provide adequate funds for librarians to attend conferences and workshops, especially in the area of research skills and research collaboration. This would enhance their research productivity and enable them to attract grants from funding agencies.

Knowledge Management Practices (KMP) in University Libraries in Nigeria: Connecting and Inspiring Librarians for Professional Development

Academic libraries worldwide provide knowledge management (KM) services to support university research activities, while some librarians are slowly implementing knowledge management practices. The paper examined librarians’ perception of knowledge management in Nigerian university libraries and discovered that they perceived it positively. It also identified KM practices in Nigerian university libraries, such as brainstorming, knowledge sharing and mentoring. However, these practices were not recognized as KM practices and were not officially documented as such. Furthermore, the paper also revealed that the effects of KM on the professional development of academic librarians were positive. Therefore, the researchers proffer some recommendations to enhance KM practices in Nigerian university libraries.